What can you learn?

As we were driving to drop off my son to preschool, my daughter asked me what they do there and if they learn anything. She asked if they had 'class'-type activities. I told her they learn through play. She was terribly confused by this...as are lots of people. Of course, kids (and adults) learn as they play...how do you think they develop!

So, I gave her an example. Imagine reading the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (a book I have memorized...as have all the children).
Here is a list of things a child can learn while reading it:
*Early literacy...reading is good and fun! as well as parts of a book (e.g. pages, words, letters, title, author, illustrations, plot (beginning, middle, end)
*Science...metamorphesis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, what happens when you eat too much, hunger, moon and sun
*Days of the week
*Names of foods
*Counting
*Size (a very little caterpillar into a big, fat caterpillar)
*Colors
*Fine motor/muscle skills...turning pages, holding a book, pointing at pictures
*Language...ask them questions, identify pictures
*Emotions...how is he feeling at different points of the book
*Spending time with you! and others!
*and more!

Can believe you child can learn that much in ten minutes of reading!!! They learn through everything they do. A classic assignment in teacher education is to make a list of everything a child can learn while playing with blocks (a lot, by the way). Take a minute and think about all the things your little one does and figure out what they are learning. You may then see the great value in your child's preschool or daycare setting when they have lots of play opportunities for the kids (and not so much 'academic time').

Of course, I think cooking and eating with your kids is a great opportunity for development as well!
Here are some ways:
*Science...chemistry, engineering (structure, construction), invention, experimentation, colors, textures, tastes, research skills
*Math...Pattern, addition, subtractions, multipication, division, fractions, spatial relationships, time, budgeting, weights and measures
*Social...family history and traditions, cultural awareness, history, eating and socialization, time management and planning, manners, doing nice things for others, sharing, spending time with others
*Reading
*Sensory...taste, texture, feeling, sight, hearing, temperature
*Hand-eye coordination (mixing, dumping ingredients, kneading, cutting)
*Safety
*Nutrition and diet
*Fun!
*Self-esteem and accomplishment

So cook with your kids more...you may both learning something!